Judy Dian Dalton Parkes
Oct. 15, 1945 – Jan. 1, 2022
Judy Dian Dalton Parkes, 76, passed away Saturday morning, Jan. 1, 2022, after complications from a prolonged battle with congestive heart failure.
She was born Oct. 15, 1945, in Danville, Va., to Morgan Oscar Dalton and Mary Etta Smoot Dalton.
While growing up in Danville, Mrs. Parkes’s spiritual journey began early in life when she would walk to the Stokesland Baptist Church each Sunday and became active in her local Youth for Christ chapter. She loved singing and held down the alto part for singing groups throughout high school and college.
She met her lifetime love, David Parkes, at Kernersville Wesleyan College in Kernersville, N.C. The two of them would embark on a lifetime of adventures and ministry together, while raising the family she always dreamed of having.
After settling in Indiana, she worked on staff in medical offices within the Community Health Network for more than twenty years, where she applied her precise attention to detail and aptitude for organization in scheduling, then insurance precertification. After she retired at 65, she became a full-time “NeeNee” to the six grandchildren who brought her so much joy.
Her gentle nature and quiet strength were qualities that defined her, yet those who knew her also enjoyed her quick sense of humor. She loved nothing more than gathering with friends and family over a good meal. Her gift for hospitality drew countless adopted family members around her table for holidays and dinners over the years.
Survivors include her daughters, Emily (Scott) Sutherland and Melody (Craig) Boyer; grandchildren, Jackson Sutherland, Riley Sutherland, Ashton Boyer, Avery Boyer, Eli Boyer and Izzy Boyer; sister, Barbara Dalton Nunn; and brother, Tommy Nunn.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Chandler Parkes; and her infant son, Edwin Chandler Parkes.
A service honoring her life will take place at the Northview Chapel located at 12900 Hazel Dell Parkway, Carmel, Ind., Wednesday, January 5, at 12 p.m. Out of respect for the health and safety of all her friends and family, a traditional visitation will not take place before the service. Guests will be invited to write remembrances and messages to the family which will be cherished for years to come.
Mrs. Parkes will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Fishers, Ind. at a private graveside service.
Bussell Family Funerals, Carmel-Westfield is privileged to assist the family with arrangements.